The division among fasting individuals regarding the drink Licorice (or Areqsoos) has resurfaced in many Arab and Islamic countries, where it is served with its black color on Ramadan tables, amidst a split between those who love it and those who avoid drinking it.
اضافة اعلان
Doctors' advice about licorice has also resurfaced during Ramadan due to the health risks that may result from overconsumption of this drink, which, at the same time, offers health benefits as long as it is consumed in moderation.
However, despite the division in taste and the doctors' warnings, the popularity of this Ramadan drink has not been affected, and it continues to be sold throughout the holy month. Various sizes of licorice packages and bags are found on the shelves of stores and markets selling Ramadan supplies.
The demand for licorice flourishes in countries like Egypt, Syria, Turkey, and many other Islamic nations during Ramadan. It is also a well-known herb and drink in many other countries, including European nations.
The division over licorice stems from the mixed sweet and bitter taste that accompanies drinking it. This combination becomes more pronounced after finishing a glass of licorice, as it is unusual to experience both sweetness and bitterness simultaneously.
Doctors' warnings about licorice come from the fact that excessive consumption may lead to several side effects, including high blood pressure, high sodium levels, low potassium levels, and irregular heartbeats.
Doctors' advice in this regard includes moderation and reducing the amount of licorice consumed from day to day. They also recommend avoiding licorice for people with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure, those with low potassium levels, children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers, according to the specialized medical website "Altibbi."
Licorice is prepared by using crushed licorice root or ready-made licorice powder. It is soaked in water with a small amount of baking soda, then the mixture is left in a sunny place for about one to two hours. After straining, it is served cold with sugar added for those who prefer it.
It is worth noting that licorice, a herb with purple flowers that lean toward blue, has a pod similar to that of peas. It grows in Southern Europe, North Africa, and Asia, and is harvested in the fall after two to three years of planting. It has a distinctive sweet and bitter flavor and contains sugar as well as several vitamins and minerals.
